Chapter03-08.ppt.pptVIP

* Hermitian linear operator Real dynamical variable –  represents observable quantity Eigenvector A state associated with an  observable Eigenvalue Value of observable associated with a particular linear operator and eigenvector Copyright – Michael D. Fayer, 2007 Momentum of a Free Particle Know momentum, p, and position, x, cancan predict exact location at any subsequent time. Solve Newtons equations of motion.p = mV What is the quantum mechanical description?Should be able to describe photons, electrons, and rocks. Free particle – particle with no forces acting on it.  The simplest particle in classical and quantum mechanics. classical rock in interstellar space Copyright – Michael D. Fayer, 2007 Momentum eigenvalue problem for Free Particle momentum momentum momentumoperator eigenvalues eigenkets Know operator want: eigenvectors eigenvalues Schr?dinger Representation – momentum operator Later – Dirac’s Quantum Condition shows how to select operators Different sets of operators form different representations of Q. M. Copyright – Michael D. Fayer, 2007 Try solution eigenvalue Eigenvalue – observable. Proved that must be real number. Also: If not real, function would blow up. Function represents probability (amplitude) of finding particle in a region of space. Probability can’t be infinite anywhere. (More later.) Function representing state of system in a particular  representation and coordinate system called wave function. Copyright – Michael D. Fayer, 2007 Schr?dinger Representationmomentum operator Proposed solution Check Operating on function gives identical function back times a constant. continuous range of eigenvalues Copyright – Michael D. Fayer, 2007 momentum eigenkets momentum wave functions Have called eigenvalues l = p k is the “wave vector.” c is the normalization constant.c doesn’t influence eigenvalues  direction not length of vector matters. Normalization scalar product scalar p